Orbitomeatal line

Orbitomeatal line (also known as the Frankfort horizontal, Frankfort plane, or anatomical horizontal) is an anatomical reference line used in radiology and anthropology. The line is drawn from the infraorbital rim to the external auditory meatus. It was first defined at the Anthropological Congress in Frankfurt am Main in 1884.

Etymology

The term "orbitomeatal line" is derived from the Latin words "orbita" (eye socket) and "meatus" (passage or opening). The term "Frankfort horizontal" or "Frankfort plane" is named after the city of Frankfurt, where the Anthropological Congress that defined the line was held.

Use in Radiology

In radiology, the orbitomeatal line is used as a standard reference line for positioning patients for skull radiographs. It is also used in the interpretation of images, particularly in the assessment of cranial symmetry and the detection of any abnormalities.

Use in Anthropology

In anthropology, the Frankfort horizontal is used as a standard reference line for measuring cranial features in physical and forensic anthropology. It is also used in the study of human evolution, particularly in the comparison of skull features among different human populations and species.

Related Terms

• Infraorbital rim: The lower edge of the eye socket.
• External auditory meatus: The opening of the ear canal.
• Radiograph: An image produced by radiation, usually x-rays.
• Cranial symmetry: The balance and proportion of the features of the skull.
• Physical anthropology: The study of human physical characteristics and variation.
• Forensic anthropology: The application of the science of physical anthropology to the legal process.